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Monday, June 20, 2011

Ice Blue Romper, Pinup Style

I took a pinup modeling workshop yesterday! It was such fun. It was led by the adorable Bettina May (who is a fellow seamstress!), who taught us tips and tricks for doing our hair and makeup, posing secrets, and then gave us each a photoshoot.

Of course I had to make a special outfit for the day. This is my "bathing beauty" romper, based on the swimwear designs of Rose Marie Reid. It has a shelf bust, lots of front ruching, elastic shirring in the back, and an inner corselet made of cotton bobbinet.

My makeup, in all its glory. How about those eyelashes? (And, no. They're not real. Everything else is though.)

I definitely feel like I got what I went for, which was modeling tips--ones that aren't given to me by Tyra Banks, specifically. I'm feeling much more confident for my upcoming photoshoot for my book. I just wish I could model all my clothes lying on my back with my legs up and against the wall and my hair artfully arranged around my head. It's such a natural state for me that I almost drifted peacefully to sleep. (Not really.)

One thing I'd like to point out, is that you need to lift your chin and stretch your neck. On some of them, it looks like there is something odd with your chin, because you tilt your head forward. You can still tilt your head forward, but you need to stretch your neck up and out. Yes, it will feel unnatural and weird. But it works better on photos.

Meow! You look so gorgeous in these shots, Gertie! :) Gotta love the idea of a pinup workshop--looks like such a neat idea. Love your playsuit too; will you be sharing some more close-up/detail shots with us? Hope so! :)

Can't wait for the shirring tutorial. But my big question is this: where do you wear a playsuit? Where would they have been worn in the 30s-40s-50s? Were they for sunbathing at the beach? Lounging at the pool? Seducing the neighbour's cabana boy?

Wow! You look amazing. Did you ever think you'd be doing pin-up modeling? Blogging has lead to so many opportunities for you. What an exciting life you lead. We can vicariously live it through you. Can't wait to see how the poses in your book turn out.

Also, I adore your playsuit. Look forward to seeing the details with their explanations.

Love the photoshoot! The only things I can think of for romper are: cork soled wedgies tied at the ankle, button up front skirt, picnic basket or at the beach, engagement ring to follow, but then I was raised on old movies.

Take a look at this utube Lucille Ball at the 3:15 and 5:04 marks for what's either a romper or large bathing suit. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fias-Nd9uYc

You model better than Lucy. You can almost hear the photographer say to her, 'raise your chin, part your lips slightly' to her. Much better actress than model. There's also early publicity photos of Lucy in lingerie sitting on a bed (very demure) that are almost a how-to of 40s modelling.

haha I used to model on THAT site she was on too. I have loved Bettina for awhile now! I'm jealous that you got to take one of her classes. I'll echo everyone else and say how simply wonderful you look and am excited to see more romper close-ups. :D

So I love the romper of course!! But honestly i'm looking forward to some pix of that amazing shantung teal dress you made for the sew-retro course!! I am taking that course and wanted to show my mom the gorgeous fabric you chose, its my fav color!! anyway are you gonna put it on your finished projects list?? Hope so cause its an absolute BEAUTY!!!